Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – The Board of Trustees of the Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC) has appointed Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves as interim President for the College.
Dr. Joseph Isaac, Chairman of the Board, said that the newly appointed interim President is going to serve for six months.
Speaking during a press conference held on the College’s campus in Pensberry Community, Buchanan City on Monday, November 20, Rev. Isaac mentioned that the President of the Republic of Liberia is aware of their decision.
“In a November 4th Board Meeting held in Monrovia, the Board of the College voted to appoint Rev. Samuel Reeves as interim President but also decided to give Dr. Nathaniel Gbassaygee his benefits as he is on suspension,” he added.
The Board Chairman noted that the interim President shall report directly to the board of trustees and serves as Chief Executive Officer of the College.
“This interim President will utilize data in planning, organizing, reviewing and coordinating all aspects of the College, including all personnel, academic departments and programs,” he stressed.
He continued: “All those employed under the leadership of Dr. Gbassaygee will be rescinded under this new administration.”
Mr. Jonathan Lambert Kaipay, Senator and board member of the College asserted that board members don’t feel happy changing leaders at the college but the institution needs to be a better place for learning.
“A President of a college should work in consultations with the board of trustees but it is wrong when the President refused to listen to anyone and go on doing his will,” he noted.
He said that the Bassa Legislative Caucus and the county administration headed by Superintendent Joseph Levi Demmah are aware of the decision made by the board and stand with the board of trustees.
In remarks Rev Samuel Reeves, in a gathering, told the students that it is time for change at the College.
“This is a new era for the Grand Bassa Community College through my leadership and with your help and cooperation,” he asserted.
“I have decided to make a sacrifice for my people in Bassa and there will be no more failures on this campus; all we need to move this College forward is willingness and cooperation,” Rev. Reeves further stated.
Students and workers happily received their interim President, with the hope of bringing the necessary change he spoke about.
Rev. Samuel Reeves is the fourth President of the Grand Bassa Community College since 2008.
Dr. Levi Zanga served as the first President.
He was succeeded by interim President Augurine Herring, who later turned over the gable of authority over to Dr. Nathaniel Gbassaygee and now Rev. Samuel Reeves.
The county’s community college was chartered on June 11, 2008 as a Government of Liberia (GoL) owned and operated academic institution with Associate Degree granting authority.
The College is governed by 15 members of the Board of trustees appointed by the President of the Republic of Liberia.
Report by Elton W. Tiah, FPA Contributor